Real Madrid Lift the FIFA Club World Cup Thanks to Ronaldo’s Solo Strike

Europe’s most successful side Real Madrid have won the FIFA Club World Club at the Mohammed Bin-Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the third time in four years. They entered the competition in the semi-finals stage – having won the Champions League last season – and overcame Brazilian side Gremio with the scoreline reading 1-0 after 90 minutes that came by way of none other than Ronaldo.

Ronaldo shows yet again he’s a player of the highest caliber

In the 53rd minute of the final, Ronaldo performed his usual routine as he prepared to take a free-kick. He blasted the ball with precision that saw it land inside the left post of the goal which awarded his side with the tournament’s trophy.

This marks the third time Real Madrid have won it in recent times, after winning it in 2014 and then again last year, in 2016. Clubs that win the Champions League are eligible to play in this short tournament, which cements their place as the very best side of the world for that respective year. Real Madrid have conquered Europe a total of 12 times, however only three FIFA Club World Cups fares poorly to their successes in the Champions League. Even with this record, internet betting sites in Spain favoured them to win the competition.

After the match, Ronaldo commented, <i.“amazing. it="" was="" a="" trophy="" we="" wanted="" to="" win.="" madrid="" have="" never="" won="" five="" trophies="" in="" the="" same="" year="" –="" zidane="" told="" us="" that="" and="" really="" motivated="" us.="" my="" numbers="" speak="" for="" themselves.="" i’m="" very="" happy.="" i="" do="" talking="" on="" pitch="" i’ve="" helped="" team="" another="" title="" today.”

Can Real Madrid maintain form domestically?

Currently, Los Blancos find themselves in what can be perceived as a shocking position for them in La Liga – 4th spot with 31 points. But it must be noted that they’ve played one less game than all the rest in the Spanish top flight, because their encounter against Leganes away got postponed due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Will Ronaldo find the back against Barcelona next weekend? (source: UEFA)

Their recent short-term absence in La Liga could work to their disadvantage as they gear up to face league leaders Barcelona at the Bernabeu next weekend, on December 22nd. The downside might be their form and lack of preparation for such a high-profile match, especially after playing in another competition.

Bet on El Clasico next weekend!

Online sportsbooks in Spain brand the Catalan side 12/5 (3.39) as the underdogs for El Clasico, despite performing better in the league this season than their fierce rivals. As hosts for the game, Real Madrid have been dealt favourite status 1/1 (2.00), while a draw between the two Spanish giants stands at 11/4 (3.75), per online sportsbooks in Spain.

(Learn more by taking a look at our latest review about Bet365 Sportsbook.)

When it comes to defending their Champions League crown for the second time, Real Madrid are 5th favourites for this market, with odds of 8/1 (9.00). Man City 3/1 (4.00), Bayern Munich 5/1 (6.00), PSG 5/1 (6.00) and Barcelona 7/1 (8.00) are all above Zidane’s men on the odds chart for the “To Win Outright” market.